In computer data processing, there are batch processes and there are continuous processes… stay with me for a second… for example, if a server collects a bunch of e-mails over a few hours and sends them all out at once, that is batching. But if the server sends out each e-mail right as it comes in, that is continuous processing. I think that people are like this too.
I am a Batch Processor. In general, I like to save up similar things and do them all together at once… it's the assembly line concept. It's efficient, like the reason that we bake 12 cookies at once instead of baking 1 cookie 12 times.
Other people in my life are Continuous Processors– they don't like to save up stuff and do it all together, they would rather deal with it as it comes.
Both ways of being have their advantages, since Continuous Processors are less likely to procrastinate, for example! Anyway, it's something to think about! What style do you have? Could some things in your life be more efficient or effective doing it the other way?
Very insightful. In thinking through my own situation, I got to wondering if there is an age or life stages element in play here. For instance, in thinking through how I “work” verse my kids… I suspect my kids are continual (doing just enough daily to check things off the chore list) where as I as an adult, have to cram things into small open windows of opportunities… like any given Saturday.
Great topic… thanks for bringing it up !
wow that is very detailed and something i would definitely consider.
thanks you
Great post. I like to think about it in terms of cookies now. I have always called it Marathoner or Sprinter. I’m like you – a total marathoner. When I do laundry, I do it all in one day. Makes it very hard to do easy tracking activities and regular maintenance so I get on myself to do a little each day.
This year I’m trying to track mileage for car. Last year I back-tracked and did it all in one day. Accountant said the IRS doesn’t like google maps as much as it likes to see odometer miles.
Thanks for the post.
I’m a mix of both.
I process paperwork (invoices, insurance certs, check writing) in batches.
I check my email continuously.